Proclamation: Responsible choices to protect our future

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jose L. Hernandez
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  April has been an important month with respect to raising awareness on a variety of issues, including family maltreatment, sexual assaults, alcohol misuse, and even the importance of looking out for military children.

The various agencies here that continually deal with these matters and strive to educate the community concerning these topics have come to be recognized by base leadership. Earlier this month, a proclamation issued by commanders from the 5th Bomb Wing and the 91st Missile Wing, designated April as a continual month of awareness for these issues.

Reagan Lantz, 5th Medical Operations Squadron family advocacy outreach manager, said support from leadership gives people in the community a glimmer of how much they care. The endorsement of leadership was also a way to get people more engaged in mitigating these problems.

"Designating April as an awareness month is pretty significant," said Ms. Lantz. "A lot of these issues are correlated; hence the reason a joint-proclamation was established."

Ms. Lantz said one of her primary roles as outreach manager is focused base community education on family maltreatment prevention. Meeting with specialized groups like key spouses or anyone dealing with children and families, to make sure they know the warning signs of maltreatment and understand the mandated reporter policy is pivotal for outreach. Other agencies she has worked with include the child development center, youth center and family child care.

"We also brief new commanders and first sergeants within 90 days of their arrival," said Ms. Lantz. "They are trained on family advocacy, how to respond to family maltreatment, and what organizations or teams that require involvement in certain cases as well."

One significant aspect regarding child abuse is that it encompasses more than just physical abuse. Child abuse includes emotional abuse, neglect, placing children in dangerous living conditions, or leaving them home alone without supervision.

She emphasized placing education and awareness at the forefront of all organizations involved. She continued by stating the joint-proclamation was key for mission success, especially since it involved issues concerning child abuse, sexual assaults, and cases in which the individuals were driving under the influence.

Capt. Jeffrey Smith, 5th MDOS alcohol and drug abuse prevention and treatment program manager, said there tends to be a commonality between issues of sexual assault and family maltreatment.

"A significant amount of these cases involve alcohol," Captain Smith said. "Right now we've seen higher incident rates of sexual assaults, alcohol abuse and child abuse. We're really trying to find ways to mitigate these problems."

He agreed that educating and providing feedback to Airmen and families dealing with these issues was essential for awareness.

The captain explained there are several reasons people drink in excess and engage in unnecessary behaviors. Some say it is because of their location and that they have nothing to do. Yet, despite the motives, he stressed the need to educate Airmen on the consequences that could arise.

"Ultimately, we want to ensure Airmen are in good reliability and have good judgment to complete their mission," said Captain Smith. "We always strive to provide education about these issues to our best ability."